What flexible working at the Chartered College of Teaching means to ... Grayce

Grayce Collis

Marketing & Communications Officer

November 2024

Mental health flexibility

I began working at the Chartered College of Teaching in August 2021. Due to mental health struggles, I had never worked a full-time job before – my lack of self-belief had held me back for years, keeping me in temporary and freelance positions. After the first couple of weeks in my role, I was exhausted. However, the flexibility and lack of expectation to work a strict 9-5 day meant I had time to recuperate. I could start a little earlier and take a longer lunch break, or start later and finish later.

Office flexibility

The flexibility of my role initially made commuting much easier - being London-based then meant I could get to the office in roughly 40 minutes by bicycle. I could choose when I went into the office and decide how I spent my time, so I often took a leisurely cycle post-rush hour when there were fewer lycra-clad Speedy Gonzalezes on the road. I am able to work remotely for the majority of my role, but it is essential for me personally to go into the office now and then, for that dose of face-to-face human interaction.

As London rent has become unaffordable to me, I am sadly no longer within cycling distance of our office. Despite being on an office-based contract, there is no expectation to work from the office regularly. On the days I do go into the office, I can arrive later to avoid peak priced train tickets, and leave earlier to meet childcare needs.

Maternity flexibility?

I found my wellbeing was particularly prioritised before I went on maternity leave. I had a calendar full of antenatal appointments, and trying to squeeze in work around those, whilst managing the anxieties that came with these antenatal appointment, and general third trimester fatigue was a lot, but hearing the words “If you need to take some time” or “If you need to have a lie down” demonstrated the compassion the Chartered College has for its employees.?

Returning to work from maternity leave brought many anxieties, but I have felt extremely supported since my return. The flexibility of the Keeping in Touch (KIT) days allowed me to choose both the number and the length of days I would work during maternity leave. This meant I could maintain communication with my manager and colleagues while returning to work at my own pace. Additionally, the holiday entitlement I accrued whilst on maternity leave enabled me to do a phased return with shorter work weeks.

Childcare flexibility

Once I ran out of accrued holiday, I knew I wasn't ready to return full-time. Childcare costs and logistics were a major consideration, so I spoke to colleagues, including SMT, who shared their personal experiences of returning from maternity leave and balancing work with family life. Their support and advice were invaluable in helping me choose a working pattern that worked for both me and my family.

Even with a good routine in place, there are still times when I need to juggle unexpected childcare challenges. But colleagues are very understanding, and (hopefully) don't mind the occasional toddler guest appearance in our virtual meetings.

The Chartered College of Teaching offers a range of flexible working options to help its employees maintain a healthy work-life balance. They understand the importance of personal time, so they offer part-time roles and flexible working patterns. Moreover, there are policies in place for people who have care responsibilities or who have medical conditions that require support.

For parents, the College has generous parental leave policies, including maternity, paternity, shared parental leave, and antenatal and adoption leave so you can be there for your little ones without worrying about work being rigid. The team is split between office working, home working and hybrid arrangements, with most roles offering hybrid or remote working options.

Additionally, the Chartered College of Teaching offers various professional development programs that fit around your schedule, ensuring you can continue to learn and grow in your career without sacrificing your personal time. This commitment to career and professional development bolsters other flexible elements to create a supportive and adaptable work environment, making it easier for you to manage both your personal and professional life.

To find out more about the College: chartered.college

To find out about open vacancies: https://chartered.college/join-the-team/